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About Us

J & D Dance Academy was established 20 years ago by Deanna-the 'D' and her sister Jodi-the 'J'. Together the sisters created a wonderful studio for dance in the beautiful town of Reading. The upstairs of the historic Knights of Columbus building has a grand atmosphere with its six foot windows and light filled studios. Back then, the studio offered Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hop and since Jodi was still a member of the New England Patriots Cheerleaders, she brought Cheerdance to Reading. The establishment rapidly grew to include All-Star Cheerleading teams which eventually outgrew-literally- the ceilings were too low-the Sanborn Street space. In search of a new venue for these competitive teams, Jodi became the owner of J&D Cheer & Dance of Woburn and Billerica and Deanna became the owner of J&D Dance Academy of Reading. Jodi's Woburn and Billerica studios were the home to many very successful cheer and hip-hop dance teams. After several great years, Jodi retired from studio ownership and came back 'home' to J & D in Reading with her sister to concentrate on teaching Hip-Hop and Jazz.

J & D Dance Academy of Reading continued to concentrate on the performing arts and added the newest style of dance, Contemporary to the schedule. We welcome Jamie Bergin to the staff this year, and she will be teaching many of these contemporary classes. With the rise of dance in the media, the formally 'non-competitive' J&D Dance Academy of Reading found it needed to have an outlet for its dancers who had the desire to be on a team and compete in dance-J&D Performance Groups were created and are beginning their fourth season! Competitive dance brought Miss Erica to our staff! A former studio owner herself, Erica teaches three full days of Contemporary, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, as well as our popular Technique classes at J & D and also choreographs the Performance Group competitive routines.

At J & D we strive to create a fun, safe environment for our students to learn and love dance. We believe that the balance of structure, discipline and camaraderie as well as the quality of training presented in each class makes J & D Dance Academy of Reading an enjoyable place for both students and their parents.